What Size Dumpster Do I Need?

We rent 15, 30, and 40 yard roll-off dumpsters in Columbia, SC. Here is what each size holds and how to pick without guessing.

The short answer

Most people call us unsure of the size. That is normal. Here is the quick version. A 15 yard handles a room, a garage, or a small remodel. A 30 yard handles a whole house or a roof tear-off. A 40 yard handles construction and demolition.

If you are between two sizes, go up. Paying a little more for the bigger box costs less than paying for a second haul when the first one fills up.

15 yard — the small job

This is our smallest box and the one most homeowners want. It holds about five pickup truck loads.

Good for a garage clean-out, one room of remodel debris, an attic or basement, or a small roof. It fits in a normal driveway with room to walk around it. See the 15 yard page for details.

30 yard — the whole house

About nine pickup truck loads. This is our most-rented size.

Good for a full house clean-out, a kitchen tear-out, a roof replacement on most homes, or a renovation. It is longer than the 15, so it may sit toward the street end of a shorter driveway. See the 30 yard page.

40 yard — construction and demo

About thirteen pickup truck loads. This is the contractor size.

Good for new construction, demolition debris, big commercial jobs, and large estate clean-outs. Heavy loads like concrete and dirt run heavy, so we talk through weight when you call. See the 40 yard page.

Looking for a 10 or 20 yard?

A lot of people search for a 10 yard or a 20 yard because those are common sizes at other companies. We do not carry them. We stock 15, 30, and 40 yard boxes.

If you were looking for a 10 yard, our 15 yard is the closest fit and it is what we would put in your driveway anyway. It is only a little bigger and it handles the same small jobs with room to spare.

If you were looking for a 20 yard, it depends on the job. A cleanout or small remodel fits the 15. A whole-house project or a roof is better on the 30. Call us and we will tell you straight which one you need.

Not sure? Just call

Tell us what the project is and roughly how much you are throwing out. We have been sizing these in Columbia since 2005 and we can usually pick it in a couple of questions.

We would rather get you the right box the first time than sell you a bigger one. Call (803) 783-6834.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you rent 10 yard dumpsters?

No. Our smallest is the 15 yard. For most jobs people plan for a 10 yard, the 15 is the right call and gives you extra room.

Do you rent 20 yard dumpsters?

No. We carry 15, 30, and 40 yard. Depending on the job, either the 15 or the 30 covers what a 20 would.

What if I pick the wrong size?

Call us before it is full. If it is too small we can swap it. If it is too big, no harm done, you just had extra room.

Will it fit in my driveway?

A 15 yard fits virtually any driveway. A 30 fits most. Mention a short driveway or a tight street when you book and we will plan placement.

Still not sure what size?

Call (803) 783-6834 and describe the job. We will pick the size and book the drop on the same call.